GC-MS based phytochemical analysis of selected genotypes of Curcuma caesia Roxb.

Curcuma caesia Roxb. is known for its medicinal properties and has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine.Research on C. caesia have reported several phytochemical compounds like a-santalol, retinal, ar-tumerone, alloaromadendrene, megastigma-3,7(E),9-triene, benzene, 1-(1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-4methyl, 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid, methyl ester, (all-Z), tricyclo[8.6.0.0(2,9)] hexadeca-3 ,15diene, trans-2,9-anti-9,10-trans-1,10, etc. Curcumin and epicurzerenone are compounds found in C. caesia which has been reported to have antitumor effects by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and invasion, and induces apoptosis The leaves and rhizomes of this plant are extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine and as traditional remedies for various ailments.Four genotypes of C. caesia were collected from different parts of Northeast India and their rhizomes were analyzed using GC-MS to investigate the variations in the content of phytochemicals.GC-MS analysis of the 4 genotypes showed the presence of important phytochemicals which has antitumour and anticancer activities, viz., curcuminoids and epicurzerenone.Many other important phytochemicals were also found in the four genotypes of C. caesia.Screening of different genotypes of medicinal plants for noble phytochemicals and higher content of important compounds is much needed for higher production of herbal drugs and yield.